Computers: counter-creative?

Tchammosaur · Post by **Tchammosaur** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 6:57 pm

My computer interface is old and I use NI Battery, but staring at a computer screen is not the best creative environment for me. This thing records tracks and also has a sampler/drum machine, and looks a little retro.
Anyone own this? Thoughts?
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HD8CD/[/i]

xpander · Post by **xpander** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 7:08 pm

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HD8CD

your link has a tag at the end.

the modern equivalent of a 4-track cassette. i would stick to the computer, but if the Zoom looks fun, go for it, a user interface that works for you is key even if it does less. beware of astroturfed user reviews submitted by the manufacturers, they're not reliable.

Post by **wiss** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 9:43 pm

if you look around you can find great 8 to 16 track recorders....for a lot less than that.

JSRockit · Post by **JSRockit** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 12:55 am

I'd say brains are what are counter-creative. Any machine will do...but making yourself want to use it or want to do something good with it is another story. I'd stick with the computer and get a new interface.

SteveW · Post by **SteveW** » Sat Apr 26, 2008 10:07 pm

I think the most counter productive thing with computers and music is, copy and paste, its makes people lazy, with my current projects i find sitting down with my ms2000 creating a nice noise and then disconnecting the laptop to be the best way to work.

Theres something more organic about it, that makes it feel more real.

Steve

cartesia · Post by **cartesia** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 2:56 am

I've been spending weeks of frustration trying to setup the perfect midi control assignments to free myself from the context-sensitive computer controls...

I have newfound respect for people who deal with ergonomics/design hardware UIs..

My first instinct is just "buy a load of controllers so everything can have a knob" . . but when working with limited control space.. it is VERY difficult!

Ian S · Post by **Ian S** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 1:11 am

This is why I have an 8-track tape deck, & none of my computers have MIDI

radam · Post by **radam** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 1:09 am

I recently made the switch from 99% software to 100% hardware. The closest thing to a computer now for me and my music is my MPC4000. I completely understand the counter-productiveness of using a computer for music.....for me.

My recording device (yet to be fully hooked up) is a Fostex E-16 16track 1/2" reel-to-reel with dolby. From the few tests I've done with it, I can say that this thing produces the sound so many (including myself) attempt to emulate with $$$$ plugins, yet with much more ease, and it's the real thing. It just sounds f#*king great. With a fully competent remote control, I got the thing in mint condition for $500.

Through striping smpte to track 16, I can lock the MPC's song position to the tape which allows me to easily multitrack synths, replace parts, etc.